At the halfway point of the season, we have a clearer picture of the teams that are more likely to be left standing at the season’s end.
Although not many would have had the Warriors as championship contenders prior to the season tipping off, they certainly have them among the leaders now.
MORE: Does Klay Thompson’s return make Warriors consensus title favorite?
Milwaukee has faced adversity this season after claiming their first championship in 50 years. The Bucks have had stints at various stages of this season without key players in Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee has lost two in a row heading into this game, but The Greek Freak has been playing at an MVP level once again this season, averaging 28.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists so far this season. The Warriors have got Klay Thompson back, albeit, on a minutes restriction (not shot restriction though!), while the Bucks will be missing Holiday for this game, but could this be a preview of the 2022 NBA Finals?
The Sporting News has you covered with live updates, scores, stats and highlights from Fiserv Forum:
Bucks vs. Warriors live updates, highlights, stats
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | FINAL | |
| Bucks | 37 | 40 | 20 | ||
| Warriors | 21 | 17 | 34 |
Fourth Quarter
9:27 p.m: Triple-double for Giannis Antetokounmpo. 30 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists. You imagine Coach Bud will take him out of the game now. Bucks lead 107-82 with 8:10 left in the fourth.
End of the third quarter Bucks 97, Warriors 72
Giannis Antetokounmpo 29 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists
Khris Middleton 23 points, 7 assists
Steph Curry 12 points, 8 rebounds
Andrew Wiggins 16 points, 2 rebounds
9:08 p.m: Giannis is in another time. Another space. Another plateau.
8:57 p.m: Hasn’t been the prettiest start to the second half, but the Bucks are still well in control. Bucks up, 85-47, with 7:51 left in the third quarter.
8:51 p.m: Warriors open the quarter with a 6-0 run. Could a comebac be on the cards?
End of the second quarter Bucks 77, Warriors 38
Giannis Antetokounmpo 23 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists
Bobby Portis 17 points, 6 rebounds
Steph Curry 9 points, 3 rebounds
Andrew Wiggins 8 points, 1 rebound
8:34 p.m: Bobby Portis hits it at the buzzer to give Milwaukee a 39 (!) point lead at the half.
8:30 p.m: Giannis on a fastbreak is a thing of beauty.
8:24: The Bucks lead by 35. This is the biggest deficit the Warriors have had all season.
8:16 p.m: No. No, it isn’t.
8:14 p.m: The Bucks are unstoppable right now.
8:03 p.m: Another blow for the Dubs. Gary Payton II is done for the night.
Gary Payton II is out for the night. Lower back tightness.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 14, 2022
End of the first quarter Bucks 37, Warriors 21
Giannis Antetokounmpo 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Khris Middleton 11 points, 2 assists
Andrew Wiggins 6 points
Jordan Poole 6 points
8:00 p.m: Bucks close out the quarter with an 8-0 run. Milwaukee shot 58 percent in the first quarter.
7:51 p.m: That’s now 163 consecutive games with a made triple for Steph Curry, breaking the record previously held by …. Steph Curry. Warriors had missed their first seven 3’s until that make by Steph.
7:45 p.m: Timeout Golden State. Bucks lead 16-4 with 7:05 left in the first.
7:43 p.m: GIANNIS!
7:40 p.m: Giannis with the mid-range beauty!
7:33 p.m: Coach Bud looking to establish Antetokounmpo early. Giannis is at the foul line in the first 13 seconds of the game.
Pregame
Klay’s gotta get loose, guys! No time for interviews!
Both the Warriors and Bucks are in their City Edition jerseys tonight
How to watch Bucks vs Warriors
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 13
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Sling TV